Kingston Bereavement Support (KBS) will host a monthly Bereavement Café meet to help people experiencing grief from January 4.
KBS is a charity which offers support to those who are coming to terms with the loss of loved ones by providing one-to-one counselling with experienced practitioners and volunteers.
Having recently formed a partnership with Co-op as part of their Local Community Fund 2024, KBS was recognised for serving one of their pillars – access to wellbeing.
Christina Buckley, Service Manager at KBS said: “We want people to know that a friendly face with a good listening ear is ready and waiting with a cup of tea and a biscuit.
“It’s a safe space where anybody can come and talk about loved ones and share their experience with somebody who understands.
“Some of the other cafés are more central into town or further out and hosted in churches, so it’s nice to have an option for it not to be linked to a church as well.”
Funds raised by Co-op members will help their counselling services remain free and open to those who need them.
But the Bereavement Café will be another layer of support which is offered to the local community.
Christina added: “It is the kind of approach where you just turn up on the day and there will be somebody there for you.”
Launched in Autumn 2023, KBS are planning to run a Bereavement Café on the first Thursday of each month, encouraging people to come and share their experiences.
KBS received training from Princess Alice Hospice, who have been hosting Bereavement Cafés of their own to encourage more charities to get involved and help the community.
The meet will be held in Welcare House, Kingston, and the public are invited to talk over a hot drink while receiving support from those who have experienced bereavement themselves.
*Images courtesy of KBS*
